Each day, it’s easy to wake up and find something to worry or stress about—whether it’s bills, racism, personal or national security, physical health, family issues, or concerns about the future. These daily stresses can often accumulate, leading to anxiety and depression. In Tethered, we will delve into the Biblical wisdom of the Book of Proverbs, framed by the principles of “The Serenity Prayer.” Guided by this prayer, we will explore the transformative power of serenity, acceptance, courage, and wisdom, aiming to live more intentionally in a world that can often feel out of control. Each week, we will also experiment with a different spiritual practice, helping us tether ourselves to the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.
Amid the turmoil of two world wars and the Great Depression, theologian Reinhold Niebuhr composed "The Serenity Prayer" in its full form, though this series will focus on the first four lines. This prayer is widely recognized, particularly in Twelve-step recovery programs.
God, Grant me the Serenity
To accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can
And Wisdom to know the difference
Some statistics for consideration from:
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Anxiety increased from 2008 to 2018 among American adults.
Nearly 7% of adults and 15% of young adults reported anxiety in 2018.
Anxiety increased most rapidly among young adults ages 18–25 years old.
Anxiety did not significantly increase among individuals 50 years old and older.
American Psychiatric Association
2024 survey found 43% of adults say they feel more anxious than they did the previous year
2023 survey 37% of adults say they feel more anxious than they did the previous year
In 2022 32%of adults say they feel more anxious than they did the previous year
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2022
About one in five adults age 18 and older experienced any symptoms of anxiety (18.2%)
Over one in five adults 18 and older experienced symptoms of depression (21.4%)